Cat Care

Cat Exercise: Keeping Your Kitty in Good Shape

- Provided by VetStreet.com

Dreamstime

While most cats will never learn to run on a treadmill, no matter how much catnip you offer, almost all cats do benefit greatly from some form of regular physical activity. Not only does exercise burn calories, improve muscle tone, and reduce a cat’s appetite, but a healthy exercise plan will also help protect your cat from becoming overweight or obese, extending her lifespan and improving her quality of life. By sticking to a regular feline workout plan, you’ll have a major positive impact on your cat’s overall health.

Consult Your Vet

As always, it’s important to consult your vet before introducing a new exercise program. If your cat has any health issues, ask your veterinarian to recommend activities that fit your cat’s individual needs.

Get Moving

Some cats are very active by nature. Others may require special treats or cat toys to spark that playful spirit. Here are a few ideas to get your cat moving.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.